News

October 2020 Update

We hope to increase our hours further from November. We still continue to receive new stock and have recently been fortunate to add a large number of children’s picture story books. Look out for them on display around the library.

We are now required to provide the NHS QR code to scan using the NHS Test and Trace App. This is to help break the chains of transmission of Coronavirus. Please be assured that if you are unable to use the App, or do not wish to, we maintain a written record destroyed after 21 days. It is pleasing how everyone has been complying with the ongoing guidance so far whilst visiting the library helping to make everyone as safe as we possibly can.

Thank you ...
A big thank you to all our borrowers who have come back to us since we reopened. We are delighted to be in the Top 3 of the county’s 35 Community libraries for August measured by borrowing levels as compared to August 2019. We are also delighted to be in the Top 3 for the number of new members who have joined since April, again compared with the same period last year. Thanks must also go to our volunteers who have or are about to come back and it is lovely to be catching up with each other.

CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE MONTH Although we have not been fortunate to secure a copy yet, after 40 years Jill Murphy has written a further picture book called 'Just One of Those Days' about the domestic chaos of a typical family, except that they are bears.


In 1986 she wrote the hugely popular 'Five Minutes' Peace' which was about the domestic chaos of an elephant family. This was the first book in a series about the endearing domestic chaos of Mr + Mrs Large and their elephant family.


It seems that families juggling jobs, nurseries and schools and the ups and downs of family life have not changed and neither has lack of sleep. However, when everyone pulls together it can all work out ok. Besides being a lovely story, it is great to see a working mum and dad who share the parental load which is something so often missing from previous classic children’s stories.

Margaret Bowler
Chair – Markfield Community Library

September 2020 Update

We have been delighted to welcome our members back and more brand-new stock has been added. In addition, we have also been delighted to welcome our volunteers back.

Markfield Day Nursery are back with the Before and After School Club and we have worked hard together to achieve this, recognising the valuable service it provides to parents. We must also thank Leicestershire County Council for helping us achieve this. We also look forward to our regular groups coming back and very much regret this is not possible currently due to COVID-19 safety reasons.

I reported in the last Herald that the Markfield Day Nursery had donated a splendid picnic table which is very useful addition to the Sensory Garden. The planting scheme for the garden has been approved and plants will start to appear in the Autumn.


Due to the support we received from the village Co-Op, I was pleased to be invited on to Radio Leicester to talk about their support and the re-opening of the library. The presenter threw me somewhat at the end asking for my book recommendation which I also thought I would share with you.

I have just returned to the library Drowned Lives by Stephen Booth. Set in and around the dark, misty canals of Lichfield, Stephen Booth's new historical standalone novel is awash with mystery. When council officer Chris Buckley is approached by a strange old man demanding help in healing a decades-old family rift, he sends the stranger away. But then the old man is murdered, and the police arrive on Chris's doorstep asking questions to which he has no answers. As he begins to look into the circumstances of the murder, he uncovers a deadly secret in the silt and mud of the local canals that he'll realise was better kept buried.

Margaret Bowler
Chair – Markfield Community Library

WELCOME BACK!

We were able to cautiously reopen the Community Library on 21st July 2020 and we have been delighted to welcome old and new members. Margaret Beck and Julie Irons staffed the first shift and we were very busy and have continued to be since. We were delighted and surprised at the support we received from the village Co-op led by Elaine and assisted by colleagues from their Head Office. They provided a scrumptious hamper of goodies to sustain the volunteers over the next few weeks whilst working and helped with social distancing signs and sanitiser. They also left us vouchers to replenish our stocks of tea/coffee etc. This is very much appreciated by our volunteers as we all know it has been scary to come back into the workplace and scary for our members too. We have done everything we possibly can to make a safe, comfortable and welcoming environment.


We intend to remain opening 6 hours per week for the foreseeable future. Leicestershire County Council are continuing to supply new book stock, but we regret we cannot access books from the rest of the County just yet. By the time you read this, Government Guidance dictates that from 8 August 2020 the wearing of face masks by members of the public using the library is mandatary and enforceable by law. You do not need to wear a face mask if you have a legitimate reason not to. I would ask that all members of the public help our volunteers by doing so as they do not wish to get into any confrontational situation and please respect that they are community volunteers working for the community.

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SENSORY GARDEN

We were the recipient of a Hinckley and Bosworth 'Making a Difference in the Community' grant in 19/20 as a Voluntary and Community Sector Organisation. We match funded the grant from our own funds. Our project was to further improve the Sensory Garden at the rear of the Library. The Garden lacked the attraction of colour and the paths were looking worm and shabby. The paths have been resurfaced and the edging boards replaced. The final phase will take place this Autumn with the planting of shrubs for colour and scent. We are very grateful to Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council under their arrangements with the Voluntary and Community Sector. These arrangements promote and encourage growth of direct delivery projects through collaborative statutory and voluntary sector partnerships.





We are also very grateful to Mrs Ann Aveling, former Secretary and Trustee who had the vison for this project and has seen it through from the application stage.

Markfield Day Nursery (Amy) have donated a splendid picnic table to finish off the garden.

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WE HAVE BEEN AWARDED A NEW GRANT

We are very proud to report that we have been awarded a grant from Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council.


As part of the HBBC/VCS Partnership we will receive funding in 2020 to support further improvement of the 'Sensory Garden' behind the Library. This follows work done in 2018 with the support of Bradgate Rotary Club when undergrowth was cleared to open up the garden. Watch this space for news of the progress of our further improvements. We hope to enhance the experience of both groups and individuals using the garden. A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR and THANK YOU to all our supporters. We appreciate your donations and gifts and your comments welcoming our success in keeping open Markfield Library. Some of our sessions are very lively, with either a dozen adults all talking or half-a-dozen small children enjoying the space in the library. Other sessions can be very quiet with a single customer at any time. That is when your approving comments are very cheering to the volunteers'

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RESERVING A BOOK IS NOW FREE

We would love more people to join the library and are therefore encouraging everyone to come along and join. If you want to reserve a book we are not charging our usual £1 but will order it free of charge for you. There are hundreds of books in the Leicestershire County Council catalogue so if you fancy borrowing a book just call into the library and place it on order. You will normally get the book within a week or two.

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VOLUNTEERS

We would welcome more volunteers to join us and you don’t need to have any specific qualifications as all the training and advice will be given. We are also totally flexible about how much time you can spare whether it’s a few hours a week or help on an occasional basis.
We not only need more volunteers to train up as librarians but also need help with our activities and displays. However, if you do have any special skills or interests that you think would benefit our library we would love to hear from you.
Many of the volunteers have also joined some of the club and groups we have in the library, like the Writers group, the Book Clubs, Ancestry and the Art Class, which are also run by volunteers and if you would like to form a group to pass on your skills or indeed to learn new things we would love to hear from you.
If you would like to know more about volunteering in the library either call in anytime during our opening hours and have a chat with the volunteer librarian or email markfieldlibrary@gmail.com

Events

MEMORY BOXES

We will keep the "Memory Box" we were given last month until the end of January when it will be exchanged for one with another theme. This one is all about the Royal Family. As well as two life size cut-outs, of Her Majesty and of a Beefeater, the box contains several bags of interesting topics. The themes for these include Dressing up with a model crown and some hats, Corgi dogs and other dogs with a Card game, CDs of music from 1950-1970, scrapbooks of the same period, a Handbag and its contents and a silver plate Teatray with teapot etc. and china cups. All of these are intended to encourage people to remember those times and what they were doing, what they enjoyed and what they are glad they do not do now. Each bag may be borrowed for a demonstration or for a meeting – just phone or ask at the library. They are suitable for all ages, the elderly with their memories and children to hear about our past times. They have already proved helpful to stimulate conversations. Do try out one with your friends or a group

VOLUNTEER TEAM

HERE IS THIS MONTH'S STORY FROM ONE OF OUR HELPERS

My name is Margaret and I have lived in Markfield since the summer of 1978. Then we did not have a library building and I remember taking my then very young children down to the library in Groby. We have had a permanent library for many years now and I am proud to be playing my small part in keeping this facility open.

During my years in Markfield I have tried to get involved with village life and activities, most notably with the local scout group where I have been a beaver leader for 30 years. During this time hundreds of children have passed through and whilst not being able to remember most of them this has given me the opportunity to get to know a lot of people in the village. I have also been the treasurer and committee member of the Markfield WI group for the last 15 years. As a group we also try to get involved in village life whenever possible.

I have been a volunteer since the start, at the fete which launched the community library I was performing in a demonstration by the local Zumba class and ended up volunteering. I chose working in the library partly because I felt this was where I would be most useful and also because I like talking. I have settled into my regular Tuesday afternoon slot and enjoy meeting and chatting to our customers.

Besides the routine work I am involved with the local school children. For the past 2 years children from Mercenfeld have come into the library on a Tuesday afternoon on a class by class basis. Although they are not there very long it is full on while they are. Checking books in and out, locating book they are interested in and generally dealing with the requirements of 25+children. However, we love having them as it gives the library a real buzz and hope that the school will continue to send them. I am also a coordinator for the Summer Reading Challenge which we take part in every year. In the summer term I have been going into local schools at assembly time and given a presentation on that year's challenge and tried to encourage the children to join in. This year for the first time the library gave prizes to some of the children who had completed the challenge and I went into Mercenfeld to give these out. It gave me an opportunity to congratulate all the children who had achieved this.

The library is a lovely building and it is good that it is now used by so many groups, however our core purpose is to allow people to take out and read books and without this we cannot continue so I hope everyone will try to help us keep open.

Coming up at the Library

Regular events at the Library

ART CLASS

Our drop in Art Class is now held every Thursday lunchtime between 1:00pm and 3:00pm. Whether you are a beginner with no experience of how to draw or paint or whether you already enjoy art and want to brush up your skills, you are very welcome to come along where our experienced art teacher will help and advise you. The sessions are open to all abilities over the age of 16. There’s no need to book, just come along. The fee for each session is £5 which will include all your materials as well as expert advice.
The work produced by the Art Class led by Carol really does deserve a special mention. Take a look when you next visit the library.

WRITING GROUP

Whether you are a novice writer or someone who already has writing experience but would like some advice and guidance, then this is the group for you. The group is lead by an experienced writer who is a playwright, poet and published author. The group meets every two weeks and covers all aspects of creative writing from poetry, short stories as well as flash fiction. You will be helped and encouraged to write and to share your thoughts about the writing of other members of the group. You may be an experience writer but would like to brush up your skills within a supportive group. If you are interested in joining the group or would like more information please email markfieldlibrary@gmail.com

READING AND RHYMES

Our reading and rhymes sessions have changed their times and will now meet from 10:00am to 11:30am on Friday mornings. A fun, informal and friendly session for babies run by volunteer mums with storytelling, rhymes and crafts. Please contact the library by e mail/telephone as there can be a waiting list at times.

BOOK CLUBS

Our evening book club is well attended but we would very much welcome new members for our afternoon book club which meets every first Monday in the month in the library at 2:00pm.

ANCESTRY

Our Family History sessions take place every Thursday from 1:30pm to 3:00pm. We have experts on hand to guide you through the research into your family tree. You will have access to our records including birth, marriage and death certificates.

KNIT AND STITCH

Our Knit and Stitch group meet regularly every Thursday lunchtime between 1:00pm and 3:00pm and would welcome anyone who is interested in knitting. The group are a friendly lot and will help any novice just starting out. They also welcome more experienced knitters. So come along with your wool and needles and enjoy a cuppa and chat.

Facilities

The library offers many useful services to the local community, not just book lending or newspaper reading.

Computing Facilities

The library has four public access computers offering free internet access, with printing facility available.
Free wireless broadband is also available - just ask the staff for the network password.

Photocopying

The library also provides a photocopying service for A3 and A4 paper sizes. The price per A4 size is 25p for black and white and 50p for colour. The A3 size is 50p for black and white and £1 for colour.

Local Information

In the library you will find information on a wealth on local activities ranging from local societies & clubs, to bus timetables.

Hiring the Library

For a small fee you can hire the library for your own event or activity outside of normal opening times.
Please Email markfieldlibrary@gmail.com for more information

Dedicated Childrens Area

We have a dedicated childrens area in our library where there are a wealth of children's story books.

About

Markfield Community Library, a registered charity, was formed by a group of dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers to save our local library from closure by Leicestershire County Council it is now entirely managed and run by over 30 unpaid volunteers and funded by donations, grants and fundraising activities.
Our objectives are to keep the library open, to provide a service which reflects what the local Community wants, to promote literacy generally and to be a welcoming place in the Community. We have comfortable chairs, excellent coffee and tea facilities, newspapers and computers with free internet and free Wi-Fi.
We would love to hear suggestions and any new ideas from you. We are looking for new clubs/groups or societies to use our facilities and if you would like start an activity please contact us.
We offer all the facilities of a council run library and are linked to Leicestershire Libraries Computer System.
Membership and other services are provided free of charge and customers can use their Leicestershire County Council library card to borrow books and other items as well as use our computer and internet facilities.

MARKFIELD COMMUNITY LIBRARY COMPLAINTS POLICY

Comments, compliments and complaints: our policy (Public)
We make every effort to provide a high standard of service and to treat all users equally and fairly. We value any feedback that will help us to do that.
The Trustees review all comments and feedback as they arise and that helps us to develop our service.
If you are happy with our service we would love to hear from you.
We also want to know if there is any part of our service that you are unhappy about. We take all complaints seriously and will take action when appropriate to do so. All complaints will be dealt with in a timely and professional manner. The first thing to do is to bring your concern to the attention of a library volunteer. They will try and resolve your concerns immediately. If you are unhappy at the way you have been treated by a volunteer, please ask to speak to one of the volunteer coordinators Mrs Julie Grace or Mrs Jacqui Williams. If then you still have not resolved your concern, Chairman of Trustees Mrs Margaret Bowler can be contacted via the library.
Please note we endeavour at all times to treat our Library users with respect and we expect the same standards of behaviour from Library users.
February 2020.

EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY POLICY AND STATEMENT

Markfield Community Library is committed to equality and diversity. We believe that volunteering and the service we deliver should be open to all regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, ability, religion and political beliefs (Protected characteristics under The Equality Act 2010). This reflects our Charitable Aims and Objectives.
We encourage all working within our organisation to contribute to an environment in which people feel comfortable expressing how they feel and what they need, knowing they will be treated with respect and that they will be valued.
We will endeavour to deliver services in a way that genuinely recognizes the importance of an inclusive society that brings opportunities and access, not barriers to individuals.
Markfield Community Library will:

• Encourage, promote or celebrate diversity in all our activities and services
• Ensure equal access to volunteer opportunities and services
• Ensure as far as is practicable compliance with legislation on discrimination and equality, currently The Equality Act 2010 and other legislation in force
• To confront and challenge discrimination where and whenever it arises
• Expect volunteers to have a willingness to accept and implement this policy
• Ensure that through positive action and so far as is practicable, that our premises and services are accessible to all people

Markfield Community Library recognises the need for continuing commitment to genuine equal opportunities and diversity.

Books, Newspapers, and Magazines

If like us, you think books are important, then this is the page for you.

Book News

Our book stock is still managed by Leicestershire County Council Libraries which includes:

Fiction

We have a wide selection of modern fiction, ranging from the current best sellers to some of our wonderful old classics.

Non-Fiction

We have a good selection of up-to-date non-fiction books, including biographies, history, travel, as well as leisure pursuits.

Audio Books

We also have over 120 adult and children’s audiobooks. You can borrow these and listen wherever you want, ideal for long car journeys.

Large Print Books

We have over 50 large print books.

Books and Audio for Children and Young People

We have a dedicated childrens area in our library where there are a wealth of childrens story books, activity books, and wide range of both fiction and non-fiction from toddler to teen. We also have a weekly Reading and Rhymes storytelling sessions held every Friday morning between 10:00 and 11:30, after which mums and dads can enjoy coffee and biscuits.

Newspapers and Magazines

We have the latest local newspapers, including the daily Leicester Mercury, and the weekly Loughborough Echo and Coalville Times. We also have all the free to the public national and local magazines and periodicals, including The Herald and The Bradgate.
If you would like to donate any of your up to the minute periodicals or magazines we would really appreciate it.
We do not loan these out but they can be read in the library over a cuppa if you wish.

Support us

MCL, as a registered charity, will eventually rely entirely on raising it’s own funds through community events and activities as well as grants and donations. We will always need new volunteers as well as financial support.

Become a Volunteer

If you can spare and hour or so a week please join us as a library volunteer. The work will be interesting with friendly people and may give you an opportunity to develop new skills.
You can volunteer to work behind the counter issuing, renewing or ordering books. Lots of training will be given, so don’t worry on that score. You may enjoy gardening and could help with our special reading garden, or it may be you would like to take part in our fund raising events or run some of our clubs and groups.
We need lots of people to run various groups such as our computer sessions; or our Book Clubs or to help out on our Quiz nights. Just ask at the desk for details and our Volunteer Co-ordinator will be in touch.

Donate Books

We welcome book donations If the County Council Libraries service thinks the books are suitable for stock they will process them and they will appear on our book shelves. However, as they will belong to the Council they may be requested by customers at other libraries and when withdrawn will go back to the Council for their old stock sales.
Any book which does not meet their criteria will be returned to us for our own book sales and any books we cannot sell we will donate to charity.